Entity: Genser Energy Côte d’Ivoire SA (GECS)
Position: Senior Procurement Associate
Division / Department: Supply Chain
Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)
Report Directly to: Supply Chain Manager
Subordinate: Supply Chain Analysts
Designation Level: Sectional Head  

OBJECTIVE: The Senior Procurement Manager oversees the procurement of goods, services and works required for Genser Energy’s head office operations and projects. This role requires a thorough understanding of the procurement cycle: strategic sourcing, identifying suppliers within tight deadlines, negotiation, conducting consultations and tenders, and managing international suppliers. The role covers power station, pipeline and midstream infrastructure projects, as well as indirect procurement relating to health and safety, environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, human resources and general services. The candidate must possess strong intercultural skills, international experience and a proven ability to align procurement strategies with the company’s objectives, budgets and compliance requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

PROCUREMENT

Procurement management and innovation

• Work with internal decision-makers to define procurement plans that meet project requirements and the objectives of the various operational units.
• Analyse supplier markets to identify competitive sources of supply, monitor trends and assess supplier capabilities.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies, from inviting tenders to evaluating bids and selecting suppliers.
• Manage the procurement cycle from start to finish, whilst adhering to project deadlines, quality requirements and budgetary constraints.
• Negotiate prices, payment terms, service levels and contractual conditions with suppliers and service providers.
• Produce detailed cost analyses, procurement reports and budget monitoring documents required for strategic decision-making.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain relationships of trust with key suppliers and service providers.
• Monitor and analyse supplier performance using key performance indicators (KPIs), focusing in particular on quality, adherence to deadlines, costs and compliance with contractual commitments.
• Organise regular performance reviews and carry out supplier audits in coordination with the relevant teams.
• Address delivery delays, non-conformities and pricing discrepancies, then work with suppliers to define the necessary corrective actions and monitor their implementation and effectiveness.
• Develop long-term partnerships with strategic suppliers to secure supplies and ensure business continuity.

Document management and reliability of procurement data

• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of supplier data in the Sage X3 ERP system, and that it is updated within the required timeframes.
• Optimise supplier onboarding and qualification processes, ensuring compliance with selection criteria and internal procedures.
• Ensure that procurement files (contracts, purchase orders, quotations and agreements) are maintained, updated and archived, in order to guarantee the traceability of transactions and to facilitate internal controls and audits.

Compliance and Risk Management

• Ensure that procurement operations comply with applicable regulations, internal policies and the company’s approval procedures.
• Collaborate with the legal, finance and compliance teams to ensure the implementation of internal controls and adherence to the principles of ethics and integrity in procurement.
• Identify and assess risks relating to suppliers, contractual commitments and supply continuity, then define and monitor appropriate preventive and control measures.

BUDGET MANAGEMENT

• Contribute to the preparation of the procurement budget and its monthly updating, by consolidating the requirements of teams and projects, in consultation with the department manager.
• Draw up and maintain the procurement plan, taking into account operational priorities, project deadlines, lead times and available budget allocations.
• Monitor procurement-related commitments and expenditure, and maintain dashboards to track budget implementation.
• Update expenditure forecasts and anticipate payment due dates, in coordination with the Finance team, to facilitate cash flow planning.
• Analyse budget variances, alert the department head to the risk of overspending and propose the necessary corrective actions or trade-offs.
• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation and monitor the savings achieved, whilst ensuring compliance with quality requirements, deadlines and continuity of supply.

TEAM MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

• Supervise and coordinate the team’s activities, set priorities and allocate tasks according to skills, workload and operational requirements.
• Set individual and team objectives in line with the department’s priorities, monitor their achievement and support staff in resolving any difficulties encountered.
• Ensure the quality of work carried out and compliance with deadlines, budgets and procurement procedures, whilst providing technical and methodological support to the team.
• Conduct performance appraisals, identify training needs and work with each staff member to draw up a skills development plan, the progress of which will be monitored regularly.
• Support the induction of new staff and encourage the sharing of knowledge, best practice and feedback within the team.
• Anticipate resource requirements and coordinate the scheduling of holidays and absences to ensure business continuity.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree and four years’ experience in the relevant role, including two years’ experience in a supervisory role. A BTS or equivalent qualification with eight years’ experience in the relevant role, including four years in a supervisory role.
• A professional qualification in procurement or supply chain management would be an advantage.
• Professional proficiency in French and English, both spoken and written, enabling the candidate to conduct negotiations, draft professional documents and collaborate with international counterparts.
• Proficiency in Chinese would be an advantage.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least 8 years’ experience in similar roles, ideally in the energy, infrastructure or industrial projects sectors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) & AI (Claudi, ChatGPT, Copilote). 
• Proficiency in industry-standard management software (SAP, Sage, Oracle).
• Proven experience in conducting tender processes, managing bids and negotiating with international suppliers.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement processes, supplier management, contract law and cost control methods.
• Strong analytical and planning skills, particularly for carrying out cost-benefit analyses and drawing up procurement forecasts.
• Good interpersonal and intercultural skills, with the ability to persuade and collaborate with contacts from different business areas and geographical regions.

ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT 

• Propose training and development program for staff in line with technical and business needs. 
• Carry out performance appraisals and development plans with subordinate staff. 
• Coordinate the rotational schedule (on and off duty) of subordinate staff. 

KEY SKILLS:

• Strategic vision: steering projects towards improved performance, drawing on processes and procedures.
• Project management: contributing to projects aimed at improving efficiency through appropriate processes and procedures.
• Leadership: addressing technical, financial and people-related challenges in a dynamic working environment.
• Adaptability: adapting one’s professional practices to achieve the best results.
• Communication and negotiation: communicating clearly and consistently, listening actively and negotiating effectively.
• Rigour and a results-oriented approach: managing several projects simultaneously and meeting deadlines.
• Skills development: taking responsibility for one’s own professional development and the training of team members.
• Continuous improvement: utilising technology to resolve challenges and enhance operational efficiency.
• Organisation and time management: planning activities, managing priorities and coordinating work across different areas.

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